Belgium to form government after seven months of negotiations
Briefly

After over seven months of complex negotiations, five Belgian parties have finalized a coalitional agreement, allowing Bart De Wever to become the first nationalist premier from the Flemish region. His appointment comes after elections that revealed no clear majority, requiring intricate discussions involving budget deficits and socio-economic reforms. Despite backing off from earlier independence calls, De Wever's government faces immediate challenges, including proposed cuts to social benefits and pension reforms, which have already sparked pushback from labor unions. This coalition reflects the ongoing challenges within Belgium's fragmented political landscape.
Five Belgian parties reached a coalition deal to form a government after lengthy negotiations, with Bart De Wever set to become the first Flemish nationalist premier.
The coalition discussion has taken over seven months due to Belgium's complex political structure and a split between French and Dutch-speaking communities.
De Wever, as the leader of the coalition, faces immediate challenges including a significant budget deficit and proposed reforms to the pension system.
The coalition agreement was finalized after intense negotiations, culminating in a 60-hour final session, underscoring the difficulty of Belgian politics.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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